Make an inkjet print or copy on Sheer Heaven. Remember that the rough, suede-like side is the side to print on.
Gather your bone folder and an absorbant (porous) receiver sheet.
We are using Watercolor paper (hot press), a surface with very little texture, to get the most complete transfer. Papers with texture will give you transfers with texture - meaning that there will be white specks in the transfer.
Hold the print parallel to the floor and spritz it with the rubbing alcohol.
Tipping it slightly under strong light will tell you if you have missed any areas.
You want the whole surface of the printed area to be glassy looking but don’t overdo it to the point that the alcohol might run. Just make sure there are no dry spots in the image area.
Lay the print face down on the receiver paper.
The combination of the alcohol and the surface of the Sheer Heaven makes the print slightly tacky so it won’t slide around.
Using the side of your hand, burnish the print. Then burnish with the side of your bone folder - just once - prolonged burnishing is not needed.
Lift the Sheer Heaven to expose your transfer.
On the smooth surface of hot press watercolor paper, it will take your breath away.
If you have missed any spots with the alcohol, you can respritz that area, set the print back in place and burnish to repair the transfer.
The print does not have to be freshly made - it can be made ahead of time without affecting the quality of the transfer. Print several images on a sheet to save cost. The Sheer Heaven cannot be reprinted for more transfers, but the “ghost” that is left can be used in other art or collage.
Transfers are quick drying, non-sticky, and you can transfer over transfers, because the surface of the receiver paper is not sealed.
There will be an opaque white residue around the transfer which will show up on dark papers. To minimize this effect, trim away excess Sheer Heaven around the print - leaving enough on one side to hold onto without getting your fingers in the ink.
After heat setting with a heat gun, you can paint over the transfer.
